GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 03: Ray Whitney of the Phoenix Coyotes during the NHL game against the Nashville Predators at Jobing.com Arena on November 3, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Predators 4-3. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Stars signed Ray Whitney to a two year $9 million contract with a partial NMC today. It's a move that I personally love. He may be 40-years-old but he's still one of the most consistent scorers in the game (seven straight seasons of 55+ points, the last two with a offensively challenged Phoenix Coyotes team) and provides that great scoring depth to the Stars.

He's a big boost to the power-play, still plays big minutes and provides a mentor to a team that is chock full of young wingers. He's gotta be an invaluable source of information for Reilly Smith this season. There's grumbles from fans about his contract but how much does it really hurt the Stars? Dallas has more than enough cap space to accomodate his contract and it's only for two seasons. The team isn't going to spend all $30 million available in cap space in that span will they?

He'll be fine on whichever line he plays on, whether he's being centered by Benn or by Cody Eakin.

He's a stop-gap until all the youngsters are ready to go and really, I look forward to cheering for Whitney when the season starts.

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